Young receives big surprise

The invite came just prior to Young's performance of their chart-topping duet "Sober Saturday Night." Growing up in nearby Murfreesboro, Tenn., Young made his Opry debut on June 15, 2006.

Young's formal induction will take place Oct. 17, just days before the release of his 7th album, "Losing Sleep."

Joining Young on stage, Gill laughed that he'd never been paid for his work on the "Sober Saturday Night" session. "I'll make you a deal," Gill said. "I'll forgive the session fees if you'll be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry."

Accepting the invitation to a standing ovation, Young answered Gill, saying, "You're getting triple scale at this point." Noting his surprise, he added, "Dang, you got me good. I love you guys. I love everybody here. I love this place."

"As a friend and someone that's been out here for 30 years, you will not believe the friendships, the relationships and the heart that you will gain from being out here for the rest of your life," Gill added. "It's going to be really powerful to you, so congratulations."

Earlier in the evening, BMI songwriters Young, Gill, and Brad and Brett Warren, were surrounded by music industry friends and supporters inside Studio A at the Grand Ole Opry House to celebrate the chart-topping success of "Sober Saturday Night" from Young's fifth record, "I'm Comin' Over." RCA Records Nashville also presented Young with an award for R.I.A.A. Platinum certification of his album "Neon" and plaques for R.I.A.A. certified singles "Think Of You" (Platinum) and "Sober Saturday Night" (Gold), bringing his total tally to 16 Gold and Platinum certifications.